Matt Devine, far left, talks to customers at the Penalty Box Tuesday night, the bar's first night open to the public. The bar is open daily from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. (PHOTOS BY SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

BY +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

---

Penalty Box co-owner Jon George pours a pint of 21st Amendment IPA for a thirsty reporter Tuesday night.

One day before the busiest bar night of the year, Lockport's newest bar opened to customers.

The Penalty Box, located on the second floor of Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union Arena, served mixed drinks and drafts beers -- in addition to bottled domestic and craft beers -- to its first crowd on Tuesday.

Co-owner Jon George was on hand while Matt Devine tended bar and patrons talked and watched television on eight big-screen TVs. Bartender Amy Taylor was also in attendance during the 9 o'clock hour -- but on the patrons' side of the bar.

George says the kitchen won't be open immediately, but crowed about the new bar's menu, which features traditional bar food with a signature flair spun on it by Mary Ann Green, formerly of the Redmen Club. Aside from chicken wings and gourmet pizza, that bar will have specialty burgers and sandwiches.

The Penalty Box is open daily from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. and, while hockey players may strive to stay out of the penalty box, Lockportians are likely to make their way into the Penalty Box in droves, especially tonight: Thanksgiving Eve, traditionally one of the busiest nights for bars.

---

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.